Prosecutors are broadening their probe into Choi Soon-sil, a confidante of President Park Geun-hye who is currently at the center of a political scandal rocking the country.

Late on Monday, prosecutors arrested the 60-year-old woman, after grilling her for hours on allegations of interfering in state affairs and peddling influence. Authorities decided to detain the suspect because she was a flight risk and could try to destroy evidence.

Choi was escorted to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in a prison uniform on Tuesday morning for another round of questioning, which may continue for days until she stands trial for all the allegations raised.

Prosecutors have to decide whether to seek a warrant to formally arrest Choi within 48 hours since the emergency detention took effect.

Also on Tuesday, prosecutors raided companies owned or operated by Cha Eun-taek, a well-known advertisement director and Choi's close aide. He is suspected of meddling in the government's cultural projects. (Yonhap)